Maddy summaryHB 1339 proposes shifting general elections for Washington state cities, towns, and special purpose districts from odd-numbered years to even-numbered years to increase voter participation. Local governments would have the option to move elections to even years by adopting an ordinance, passing a charter amendment, or securing voter approval through initiatives. The bill requires public hearings and specifies transitional term adjustments during the shift, aiming to boost turnout - particularly among younger voters, low-income families, and people with disabilities - by aligning local elections with higher-turnout even-year cycles. It amends several election statutes to allow this change while maintaining existing rules for special elections.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution (HR 4691) adopted by the Washington State House of Representatives on February 16, 2026. It formally commends the contributions of U.S. presidents, specifically highlighting George Washington and Abraham Lincoln's roles in establishing freedom and ending slavery, and recognizes the third Monday in February as Presidents' Day. The resolution does not create new laws or affect any individuals or policies; it solely expresses the House's symbolic honor for presidential legacies. It directly affects no one but serves as a formal statement of recognition by the state legislature.
Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not substantive legislation) passed by the Washington state House of Representatives. It formally congratulates the Seattle Seahawks football team for winning the 2025 NFL regular season, NFC West Division championship, and Super Bowl 60. The resolution specifically recognizes their 14-3 record, defensive dominance, key player achievements (including MVP Kenneth Walker III), and community contributions. It has no legal effect beyond expressing the House's recognition and appreciation to the team organization.
Maddy summaryHB 2271 requires manufacturers to include minimum levels of postconsumer recycled content in specific plastic products, directly affecting producers of plastic trash bags, household cleaning and personal care product containers, and plastic beverage containers. The bill sets phased-in requirements (starting in 2027 for some products) for recycled content, with exemptions for items like medical packaging, food contact materials, and small businesses (under $5 million revenue). It aims to reduce virgin plastic use, lower greenhouse gas emissions from plastic production, and strengthen the recycled plastics market by creating stable demand. The law excludes certain products under federal preemption and specifically defines covered items to avoid overlapping with existing regulations.
Maddy summaryHB 2145 prohibits drug manufacturers from restricting how 340B-covered safety net providers (like community health centers, HIV clinics, and tribal health centers) access discounted medications. It specifically bans manufacturers from denying or limiting delivery of 340B drugs to these providers or their contracted pharmacies, and prevents them from requiring data sharing as a condition for drug access. The law allows covered entities to sue violators for up to $5,000 per day per violation and requires penalties for noncompliance. This directly protects low-income patients who rely on affordable medications through Washington's safety net providers.
Maddy summaryHB 1420 requires clothing and textile brands selling in Washington state to manage the end-of-life of their products through a statewide program. It directly affects brands (including manufacturers, importers, and retailers), mandating they join a producer responsibility organization (PRO) to cover costs for collecting, sorting, and recycling apparel - excluding military PPE, medical products, and secondhand sellers. The PROs will operate collection systems like drop-off sites, mail-back programs, and donation boxes, aiming to reduce landfill waste, greenhouse gas emissions, and environmental harm. This replaces current waste management approaches with a system prioritizing repair, reuse, and responsible recycling for all covered clothing items sold in the state.
Maddy summaryHB 1367 allows motorcycles to temporarily use the right shoulder of limited-access highways (like freeways) when traffic is stopped or moving at 25 mph or slower. This applies only under specific conditions: motorcycles must not exceed 10 mph faster than adjacent traffic, must travel alone (not two abreast), and must exit the shoulder before exits offering alternative routes or services. The bill amends Washington’s vehicle code to permit this shoulder use while maintaining existing restrictions on lane-sharing and passing. It directly affects motorcycle riders operating in slow-moving or stopped traffic on major highways.
Maddy summaryHB 2724 proposes a new tax on Washington residents with annual adjusted gross income of $1 million or more, affecting approximately the top 0.5% of households. The tax revenue would be deposited into the state general fund to support K-12 education, health care, higher education, human services, and the working families' tax credit. Key provisions include exempting sales of family-owned small businesses and real property from the tax, aligning the state definition of taxable income with federal rules (modified for state purposes), and reducing other taxes like sales tax on essential items. The bill aims to make the state tax system less regressive by shifting more burden to high earners while maintaining current tax rates for lower-income residents.
Maddy summaryHB 2257 is a technical correction bill that updates Washington State's tax code to improve clarity and administrative efficiency for the Department of Revenue. It amends multiple tax statutes (including definitions for "tobacco product," "vapor product," and "retail sale") to resolve ambiguities and streamline tax administration without changing tax rates or creating new revenue impacts. The bill directly affects businesses and individuals interacting with Washington's tax system, particularly those handling retail sales, tobacco products, or cannabis-related transactions. It focuses on fixing outdated language and ensuring consistent application of existing tax laws.
Maddy summaryHB 2489 establishes statewide rules preventing local governments from penalizing people for basic life-sustaining activities (like sleeping or eating in public) when no adequate shelter is available. It requires cities to prove shelter space existed before enforcing public space laws, and invalidates citations or prosecutions that violate this rule. The bill protects individuals experiencing homelessness from punishment for necessary activities while ensuring enforcement actions are limited to immediate safety risks. It does not create a right to shelter, but mandates cities to document shelter availability and coordinate with service providers to address homelessness.